Everyday life is sometimes difficult, dull, and busy. In the evening I feel like I've thrown a tonne of coal into the cellar, so from the cinema, theatre or literature I expect relaxation, escape from everyday work and the chance to recharge my batteries. It doesn't mean that I watch only comedies and read only crime stories (even though I value both). I have to psych myself up for a difficult book and be aware that I will be watching a tough movie. Often I wait until I can watch especially difficult movies at home. I can then take a break, rest, cool down and go back to watching.

Today we decided to go to the cinema to watch a more difficult movie. Enticed by friends' recommendations, we didn't wait, and we watched „Zimna wojna" by Paweł Pawlikowski on the big screen. I have to say it was a good decision and the excellent reviews really weren't over the top.

The beginning of the movie: fragments of folk music and an audition for a folk band serve as an excellent introduction to 50s and 60s war-torn Poland. We also meet the main characters of the movie: Lech Kaczmarek (Borys Szyc), Irena Bielecka (Agata Kulesza), Wiktor (Tomasz Kot) and Zula (Joanna Kulig). Zula – an interesting girl with a shady past – draws Wiktor's attention from the beginning. The forthcoming affair between Wiktor and Zula is in fact as obvious as his stormy life history is surprising, poignant and disappointing.

The fates of the characters, who can't live with or without each other, play out in post-war Europe: in grey, sad Poland, Berlin and Yugoslavia, and in the artists' mecca of Paris. This monochromatic black and white movie, both realistic and austere, leaves a haunting impression. The painfully sparse background perfectly emphasises the masterful acting. Wiktor – musician, romantic introvert, artist-composer – falls in love with Zula forever. The talented Zula evolves from a demure girl to a real artist. Her beauty, magnetism, and remarkable voice make her perfect for a femme fatale role. She complicates her life and that of her beloved man, leading to an inevitable disaster.

In an amazing way, the soundtrack underscores the emotional atmosphere and substance of the movie. We hear short folk songs, propaganda songs, jazz standards and sung poetry. They complement the subsequent scenes, bring about a new reality, and send shivers down your spine.

„Zimna wojna" is a remarkable movie in every way. The form, actors and music will stay with me for a long time. If you like nonobvious movies, you should watch this one. It is interesting whether, as with me, this movie will simultaneously arouse emotions, irritation and anger in you.

I recommend it!

Read also

"Untouchables"

„Whiplash"

Planet of the Singles